Tulsa hosts NCAA tourny

After the first few weeks of the college basketball postseason, it is apparent that the NCAA Tournament is as wild and unpredictable as ever. In 2017, this excitement will come to Tulsa, as TU will host first and second round games at the BOK Center.

The University of Tulsa, the BOK Center and the Tulsa Sports Commission partnered to win the first NCAA tournament hosting bid since 2011. “The Tulsa Sports Commission is extremely honored to be selected as a host city by the NCAA for the first and second rounds of the Men’s Basketball Championship,” said Ray Hoyt, senior vice president of VisitTulsa and the Tulsa Sports Commission. “This major win for the Tulsa region is a testament to our strong partnership with the University of Tulsa, which continually allows us to showcase NCAA sporting events right here in our own backyard, and the BOK Center, whose premier facilities ensure the fan experience is one of the best in the nation.”

“The University of Tulsa is pleased to partner yet again with the Tulsa Sports Commission, the City of Tulsa and SMG, to host the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball 1st & 2nd Rounds at the BOK Center. The NCAA recognizes the success that Tulsa has had in hosting not only the 2011 second & third rounds, but national championships for golf and tennis. Today’s announcement shows their confidence in Tulsa to operate and host one of the NCAA’s most premiere events,” said TU’s Vice President & Director of Athletics Dr. Derrick Gragg.

Specifically, the BOK Center will host games on March 17 and 19, most likely during TU’s Spring Break. Other cities that won bids for the 2017 tournament include Salt Lake City, Buffalo, Greensboro, Milwaukee, Orlando, Sacramento and Indianapolis. Kansas City, New York City, Memphis and San Jose will host regional games, and Phoenix will host the Final Four.